Eye to Eye Video acquisition and production

Author: Dennis Lennie

Published 1st April 2009


BVE2009 in London, February 17-19 offers UK-based programme-makers a useful opportunity to try out the latest video acquisition and production equipment ahead of NABshow2009 and its loud after-echo, IBC. The following outlines some of the new front-end kit likely to be on display at Earls Court.

Cameras and camcorders
ARRI will be exhibiting its D-21, claimed to be the only camera capable of simultaneously delivering raw data and HD. Its Super 35-sized CMOS sensor has the same cinematic depth of field as 35 mm film and the industry-standard PL lens mount accepts the same prime, zoom and speciality film lenses used on 35 mm film cameras. The sensor is 4:3 aspect ratio but designed to accommodate all image formats, including anamorphic 2.40:1. Other film-style features include variable frame rates from 1 to 60 fps (D-21)/1-30 fps (D-21 HD) and exposure-compensated speed ramps.
Canon will show its new XH G1S and XH A1S: two handheld HDV1080i camcorders developed from the XH G1 and XH A1. Enhancements made over the earlier models include a redesigned lens "for more comfortable operation", improved audio features and an expanded range of shooting options.

Hitachi'sSK-HD1000 is a newdockable HD studio and field production camera. It is offered with a wide range of interface and recorder options including digital fibre or triaxial cable, P2-format dockable recorder, plus a low-latency HD wireless link with diversity transmission. Hitachi is also introducing a new range of 9 inch colour LCD and 5 inch monochrome CRT viewfinders, a new remote control panel (RU-1200JY), master setup unit (SU-1000) and studio/field adapter (SA-1000).

Ikegami will show its flash-memory-based GF series tapeless HD/SD production system. This includes the HDS-V10 camcorder, the GFS-V10 recorder, and 64 gigabyte storage media which can capture two hours of 50 Mbit/s HD video. The HDS-V10 has a three-CCD imager providing 1080i or 720p HDTV format support, multiple digital recording modes, and a retro-loop standby recording mode. A USB port allows access to file-based video even when a GF memory is not installed in the camcorder or the deck.

JVC has expanded its ProHD camcorder line-up by introducing two solid state camcorders. The hand-held GY-HM100 3-CCD camcorder was introduced in January and the compact shoulder GY-HM700 is scheduled for introduction in February. Both camcorders record 35 Mbit/s high definition video and uncompressed audio directly to SDHC in the native QuickTime format used by Apple Final Cut Pro. The cameras have two memory card slots accommodating up to 64 gigabtes of storage, enough for up to six hours of continuous HD recording. The cameras automatically begin recording on the second card when the first card is full. JVC claims that the per-minute cost of SDHC memory is comparable to professional video tape and that SDHC is the first practical solid state medium affordable enough to be used for archiving.

Above ground, under water
High Level TV is a service company offering an alternative to manned helicopters or traditional cranes for capturing a high-level view at sporting events, news incidents or live music festivals. It offers for hire a broadcast-quality camera on a fully controllable hydraulic pole which can be extended up to 24 metres. The pole is set on the roof of the van and controlled from inside the vehicle. The camera can rotate a full 360 degrees, panning and tilting and zooming as required.

Polecam's FishFace is a combined underwater head and waterproof HD/SD camera housing for the Polecam rig. It will be offered for the first time for use with whatever immersion support the camera operator chooses. The housing comes complete with a clamp and threaded tripod-mounting socket for attachment to the support device. A waterproof gland seals the camera cable at the entry to the housing, eliminating the need to cut and resplice the cable. A waterproof plug and socket are provided for iris control. Head and waterproof housing can be used down to 4 metres on a Polecam rig or to a depth of 10 metres as an independent system. The head has the same fully unrestricted movement as a standard Polecam dry head, including 360 degree pan capability.
Lenses and Lights
Pyser will show three new Fujinon lenses for the 1/2-inch XDCAM HD tape format. The XS17.5.5BRM is standard HD lens "at a terrific price\" to match Sony's new cameras. The XS13x3.3BRM gives a horizontal field of view of almost 94 degrees and is claimed to be the widest zoom lens available for this or any other broadcast video camera. The Fujinon HSS16x4.6BERM is also available in 2/3 inch format as the HA16x6.3BERM. This gives a 74 degree field of view but has a 16:1 zoom range.

Balcar's Monolite fluorescent lamps will be shown by Pyser. This is a single-tube fitting with a high-efficiency reflector for low-ceiling studios. The Quadlite is now available with an IP interface so that it can be used as a hub to control a DMX lighting rig from a remote location. The N-Lite is an EFP/ENG fluorescent light. It is multi-voltage, DC or mains, and available with daylight or tungsten colour temperature tubes.
Power supplies
PAG's new low-cost L95e battery is claimed to use advanced Li-Ion cell technology combining a 95 watt-hour capacity with a weight of only 745 g. Two L95e batteries are designed to provide enough power for a whole day's shooting with normal camera and lighting set-ups. The battery is available in PAGlok and V-Mount formats.

Prompters
Autocue has added Windows Vista and Apple OS-X compatibility to its QPro and QStart prompting software, including support for Windows-emulating software running on OS-X. The upgrade to the new version of the software will be offered at reduced cost to existing customers.
Portaprompt will exhibit three new wireless prompting systems: a three-button key fob prompting control designed to fit in a presenter's hand; a variable speed wireless hand remote prompting control with dual-button programmable functions for scroll direction, page jumping and story selection; plus the Accelerator prompting foot control which can link to other foot or hand controls for multi-presenter programmes.

Vinten'sVision iScript package is based on a pan and tilt head with pre-set counterbalance and twin telescopic pan bars. This is bundled with an Autoscript GoPrompt 12 portable prompter with wireless controller. The ENG version includes plus a Petrol flight case (optional for the Studio system).

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